India’s railway transformation is no longer just about adding tracks or increasing train speeds. It is increasingly becoming a story of how technology, infrastructure modernisation, and engineering innovation are shaping the country’s economic future. At the centre of this transformation lies a larger national ambition building resilient, connected, and digitally enabled infrastructure capable of accelerating economic growth across sectors. In an exclusive interaction with Express Computer, P.V Sreekanth, Executive Director of Signalling and Telecommunication (S&T), Ircon International discusses how digital transformation is reshaping railway infrastructure, operations, and safety across India. He shares insights into the growing role of smart signalling, OFC-based communication networks, centralised monitoring systems, and data-driven operations, while also highlighting how landmark projects like the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) are demonstrating the importance of embedding digital transformation into infrastructure planning from the very beginning.
Indian Railways is undergoing a massive digital transformation. From a technology perspective, what has been the biggest shift in recent years?
The biggest shift has been the transition from conventional infrastructure to intelligent railway systems. Earlier, modernisation focused largely on track expansion and electrification, but today the focus is equally on digital infrastructure, automation, predictive operations, and integrated safety technologies. Indian Railways is now leveraging electronic interlocking, IP-based communication systems, OFC networks, centralised monitoring, SCADA, and indigenous technologies like Kavach to create a smarter and safer rail ecosystem. Railway Transportation Systems are increasingly being operated and managed like a large-scale digital enterprise network.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is considered one of the most technologically advanced railway projects in India. What are some of the key IT and digital innovations deployed there?
USBRL is not just an engineering marvel; it is also a highly digitised infrastructure ecosystem. One of the biggest highlights is the deployment of Indian Railways’ largest integrated tunnel communication network. The project includes more than 4,000 network switches and over 10,000 IP-enabled devices connected through extensive OFC-based infrastructure. Advanced technologies such as centralised tunnel control systems, CCTV surveillance, SOS communication systems, public announcement networks, VHF tunnel radio systems, and SCADA-enabled monitoring have been integrated to ensure real-time visibility and operational safety. The project demonstrates how digital technologies are becoming critical for railway infrastructure management in difficult terrains.
Signalling modernisation has become a key priority for Indian Railways. How is technology redefining railway operations and safety?
Modern signalling is now data-driven and software-controlled. Indian Railways has rapidly moved from mechanical signalling systems to electronic interlocking and intelligent monitoring platforms. Technologies like MSDAC (i.e. Multi Section Digital Axle Counter-based track detection), Block proving by Axle Counters, Networked Data loggers, and motor-operated points are significantly improving route management and reducing operational risks. Additionally, Kavach India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system is a major technological breakthrough. It combines signalling intelligence, real-time communication, and automatic control to enhance train safety. Modern Signalling Systems improve operational efficiency and help railways move towards predictive maintenance.
Communication infrastructure appears to be a major component of modern railway projects. Why is network connectivity becoming so critical for rail operations?
Modern railway systems depend heavily on uninterrupted digital communication. Today, almost every operational layer — signalling, surveillance, train control, passenger safety, energy monitoring, and emergency response — relies on real-time data exchange.
Projects like USBRL highlight this transformation. The deployment of large-scale OFC infrastructure, IP-enabled systems, and centralised command environments enables seamless communication across tunnels, bridges, stations, and control centres. In many ways, railway infrastructure is now converging with enterprise-grade IT infrastructure, where uptime, cybersecurity, and data reliability become mission-critical.
Cyber-physical infrastructure is becoming increasingly important globally. How do you see Indian Railways evolving in this direction?
Indian Railways is steadily evolving into a cyber-physical infrastructure ecosystem where physical assets and digital intelligence work together. The integration of sensors, IP-based devices, centralised monitoring systems, analytics platforms, and automation technologies is enabling better operational visibility and decision-making. Going forward, technologies such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, IoT-enabled asset monitoring, digital twins, edge computing, and integrated command centres are expected to play a much larger role. As railways become more digitally connected, cybersecurity and resilient network architecture will be adapted.
What lessons can other infrastructure sectors learn from the technology transformation happening in Indian Railways?
One of the biggest lessons is that digital transformation must be embedded into infrastructure planning from the beginning rather than added later. Indian Railways is demonstrating how communication networks, intelligent monitoring systems, automation, and data-driven operations can significantly improve scalability, safety, and efficiency. Another important takeaway is the importance of indigenous innovation. Technologies like Kavach show how India can develop large-scale, cost-effective solutions suited to local operational requirements. The railway sector’s modernisation journey can serve as a blueprint for other infrastructure sectors such as highways, airports, logistics, and smart cities.